Navigating the College Admissions Process

College admissions is one of the most intense processes a family will go through. There are so many factors to consider: What is best academically and socially? What is the right fit? What’s a safety, a likely, a reach? What region of the country, if not the world, is best for the next four years? What about a gap year?

Whether your child is a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior, we are here to guide you through the test prep world (SAT or ACT? What dates?), through building a college list and sending your family off on tours. We can even accompany your family on their visits.

Many students have excellent college counseling staff at their schools, and others have little to no support. The A-List can help with any aspect of the application process that needs attention—from the college list, to recommendations, to the very important personal essay and writing supplements. With the A-List, applying to college becomes an experience of self discovery that can actually…fun. Whatever your needs, we make sure it all “gets in” — on time and with as little stress as possible.

Expert Guidance

For the past eleven years, Alexis White (Director of College Admissions Consulting and owner of The A-List Tutoring Services), has been counseling independent and public school students on their college essays and offering comprehensive consulting for their college admissions applications. A graduate of Marlborough School and UCLA (Suma Cum Laude), Alexis remembers her college admissions experience vividly. She understands the incredible pressure placed on students to perform–not just academically, but also to “shine” in their college applications. Ten years ago, Alexis launched Marlborough School and Milken Community High School’s annual college essay workshops (which now enroll their entire student body each summer) to help students tell their stories in the most powerful ways.

Many students feel that their stories aren’t “interesting” enough for colleges, or they just don’t know how to wrangle their 17 years of life experience into such tiny spaces. Alexis’college essay writing techniques help students seamlessly weave their interests, passions and goals into an application that “pops.” Alexis keeps her students organized through the process, she alleviates stress for the entire family and most importantly, she helps your child tell his or her unique story with eloquence and efficiency.